Muscle pain has a variety of causes. Aside from being a medication side effect, aching muscles are also known as myalgia and can be caused by an injury, disease, or infection, or they can be a symptom of another condition.

Muscle pain can also feel different depending on what is causing it—aching, cramping, stabbing, or burning.

This article examines the various causes of muscle pain. It will also discuss how myalgia is diagnosed and treated, as well as when you should be concerned about muscle pain.

Causes of Localized Muscle Pain

Pain that is centred on one or more muscles is referred to as localised muscle pain.

Muscle Strain

Muscle pain is frequently caused by injuries. A muscle can be injured by strenuous exercise or a sudden movement. A muscle strain can occur when it is overstretched (a.k.a. a pulled muscle).

A muscle strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon (the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones). Minor muscle strains can occur, but severe strains can cause these tissues to tear.

Muscle pain from a strain is typically characterised by a sudden, sharp, or tearing sensation. The pain may be accompanied by swelling or bruising.

Muscle Contusion

Muscle pain can also be caused by a muscle contusion. A direct blow to the muscle can cause tiny blood vessels called capillaries to bleed and surrounding tissues to swell, resulting in this injury, also known as a "muscle bruise."

In addition to muscle pain, the skin may become bruised, a condition known as a skin contusion. A hematoma (a pool of blood) may form in or around the injured muscle in some cases.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

For some people, muscle pain is a symptom of a chronic condition.

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), a painful condition, is caused by trigger points in the muscles. Trigger points are tight bands of muscle and/or fascia (muscle-supporting tissue) beneath the skin that feel like tiny knots.

Trigger points may be touch sensitive. They can also cause shooting pains all over the body (known as "referred pain").

The upper trapezius muscles, which are located at the back of the neck, above each shoulder, are a common trigger point. These trigger points can cause severe aching or burning in the back of the head or on the sides of the head.

Causes of Systemic Muscle Pain

Muscle pain is also known as systemic myalgia. The majority of the time, these muscle aches are caused by an infection, a side effect of a medication, or an underlying illness.

Infections

Muscle pain can be caused by certain infections, particularly viral infections. The flu is the most common infectious cause, causing generalised aches and pains. COVID-19 has also been linked to myalgia.

Other infections that can cause muscle pain include:

• Lyme disease
• Malaria
• Dengue fever
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Trichomoniasis
• Toxoplasmosis

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is characterised by widespread muscle pain. The pain associated with this chronic disorder is frequently described as aching, sore, stiff, burning, or throbbing.

Fibromyalgia has no known cause, but it is thought to be caused by genetics, mood disorders, previous illnesses, and chemical imbalances that increase pain perception.

Fibromyalgia patients frequently have difficulty sleeping, are tired, have crawling skin sensations, wake up stiff, have difficulty concentrating, and are anxious.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a disease that causes extreme exhaustion that does not improve with rest.

On top of being tired and sick, people with chronic fatigue syndrome frequently have generalised muscle aches, difficulty remembering things, sore throats, and feel dizzy when they stand up.

According to some researchers, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are both symptoms of the same condition.

Osteomalacia

The softening of bones caused by mineral loss is known as osteomalacia. It is frequently linked to a deficiency in vitamin D and calcium. It is common in the elderly and has been linked to certain diseases and medications (such as celiac disease) (like Pain O Soma).

Muscle pain caused by cramps and spasms can occur in people with osteomalacia. They often have aching bone pain and tenderness. Osteomalacia can also raise the risk of bone fractures (referred to as "pathologic fractures").

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If your muscle pain worsens or does not go away, you should consult a doctor to determine the cause.

If you have any or all of the following symptoms in addition to muscle pain, you should seek medical attention right away:

• Trouble breathing
• Trouble swallowing
• Profound muscle weakness
• Stiff neck
• High fever
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Muscle pain that is extreme or sudden

Diagnosis

Muscle pain is diagnosed with a detailed history and physical exam. Laboratory and imaging tests may also be requested.

Medical History

Several questions will be asked by your healthcare provider during the evaluation to narrow down the possible causes of your muscle pain, such as:

• Did your muscle pain develop gradually or suddenly?
• Have you undergone any strenuous activities recently?
• What medications are you taking?
• Do you have other symptoms such as fever, headache, or fatigue?
• Are you experiencing muscle weakness?
• Is there any redness, swelling, or warmth around the muscle?

Physical Examination

During the physical exam, your doctor or nurse may apply pressure to various muscles to assess pain, tenderness, and trigger points. They may also examine the skin and surrounding tissue for signs of swelling, warmth, redness, or discoloration.

Treatment

Once your doctor has determined what is causing your muscle pain, he or she will devise a treatment plan that addresses both the pain and the underlying cause.

The majority of back pain resolves within a month of home treatment, particularly in people under the age of 60. However, the pain can last for months for many people.

Pain relievers and heat therapy may be all that is required. Bed rest is not recommended.

Maintain as much activity as possible while suffering from back pain. Try walking for light exercise. Stop any activity that causes pain, but don't avoid it out of fear. If home remedies do not work after several weeks, your doctor may prescribe Pain O Soma 500mg or other treatments.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Pain O Soma may help. Overuse can have serious ramifications. Your doctor may prescribe NSAIDs if over-the-counter pain relievers are ineffective. Pain O Soma 350 mg can be purchased easily from the Primewellrx website, and it provides immediate relief.

Summary

Myalgia, or muscle pain, can be caused by a number of factors. Sprains and pyomyositis are two examples of localised injuries or infections that can cause it. Utilize it. A systemic (whole-body) disease or infection could also be the cause.

A doctor can diagnose you by looking at your symptoms, medical history, lab tests, and imaging studies. Muscle pain can be treated with anything from rest to surgery, depending on what's causing it.